[Anterior turbinectomy: experimental and clinical study]

Minimal cross-sectional areas situated at the anterior end of the inferior turbinate have the most influence on nasal patency. To improve persistent nasal obstruction, 2 types of inferior turbinectomies--conventional complete resection including the anterior and posterior mucosa and anterior resection of the anterior mucosa--were conducted and preoperative and postoperative nasal patency and stuffy sensation were compared and analyze.

Cases undergoing 2 types of turbinectomies between July 1997 and March 2000 numbered 63--conventional in 32 (64 sides) and anterior in 31 (62 sides). Anterior, posterior, and total nasal volume and minimal cross-sectional area were evaluated pre- and postoperatively using an acoustic rhinometer. The stuffy sensation was similarly evaluated by the visual analog scale (VAS).

All nasal volumes showed postoperative increase under conventional treatments. Anterior and posterior volumes significantly increased under anterior treatment. Comparing the results of postoperative volume posterior volume was significantly larger under conventional treatment than under anterior treatment. Stuffy sensation significantly improved by VAS in both types of turbinectomy, with no significant difference between them.

Anterior treatment to solely increase nasal volume at the minimal cross sectional area showed equal postoperative improvement in VAS under conventional treatment.